Skidegate Socialite by Karyn Prest

I’m back! Sorry for another missing Skidegate Socialite, but I’ve been busy settling in to the new office for the Hecate Strait Employment Development Society-Work BC (and yes, that really is the name, and yes I have to say all of that plus good morning/afternoon, Queen Charlotte, and my name when answering the phone.) So yes, I’ve become quite busy but still plan to bring you the juicy gossip (ha!) from Skidegate!I hope you all had a fantastic Easter weekend. I felt quite smug telling mom about our beautiful summer-like weather and hearing about their freak snowstorm in Nova Scotia. Muahaha. I spent the weekend at Moresby Adventure Camp with Willie, Noora and the two dogs. Everyone was happy to see Xilang as he spent lots of time last year at the camp. Noora had tons of fun playing with all of the kids, and I met lots of great people from all over the island. Thanks so much to Jo Hager for inviting us and persuading Willie and I to get into a canoe. I must say, I did pretty well after I got over my initial fear but I’m not sure Willie will be getting in another canoe (other than the gigantic Loo Taas) anytime soon. I’m surprised I haven’t been to that part of Moresby yet but it definitely won’t be the last time. Thanks to a wrong turn, I also got to see Copper Bay on our way home Sunday. A warning to you all; the roads are absolutely atrocious so if you’re heading over there to fix up a cabin, drive slowly! Better yet, take a truck and some gravel and fill in some potholes. So, what’s new in Skidegate? Well, you only have a few days left to view the pieces in the All Islands Art Show. April 14 is the closing day so get your “People’s Choice” vote in and pop by on Saturday to see the winning pieces.Also coming up soon is Haida Gwaii Unity Run (10 km) which will take place at the Tlell fair grounds on April 22. Runners and walkers from Skidegate and Old Massett will complete their 13-week training with this big finale. Everyone is welcome to join them in the run/walk. Check out qciobserver.com for more details or call Myrna (Massett-626-3911) or Melissa (Skidegate-4610) to pre-register.The Health Centre is doing something else really cool and important. Heather Barnes and Mary Ann Wilson are doing home parties to teach about HIV/AIDS and the Point of Care HIV Test (results in less than 1 minute). If you’d like to host a party, please give them a call (4610). There will be a prize for the host/hostess and a few prizes! Knowledge is the best medicine!Also, Dr Ahmed will be in Skidegate April 16. Please call Jennifer Shelford to book your appointment (4610). Hawa’a to everyone who helped out and joined in the celebration for the Junior Saints last week. There was a great turnout and the boys are already excited to play next year! Go Saints Go! Now it’s time to turn our attention to all the young soccer players starting their season!And just a note of safety: when using old playground equipment around the village, or even the swing beside Skidegate United Church, please, please be careful. Someone got hurt on the weekend due to a faulty swing but they are alright. Hawa’a to everyone who helped out! Last but not least, a happy belated birthday to Kristy Alsop and happy birthday to Desiree Wilson (April 12). Email birthday wishes to whiteravenreturns@gmail.com! Happy Spring!